Southwest Idaho man gets life in prison for murder

CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — A 31-year-old Nampa man who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of another man has been sentenced to life in prison.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2hSMiwi) that Jesus “A.J.” Avila received the sentence Thursday and must serve 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Authorities say Avila found out Ricardo Keith had a large amount of cash in an envelope when Keith bought heroin at a house on June 22.

Authorities say Avila left the house where the drug deal occurred and then used his car to cut off Keith and his girlfriend in their car.

Police say an altercation occurred and that Avila shot Keith in the head. Keith’s girlfriend wasn’t injured.

Avila fled but was arrested a week later in Washington state.

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Information from: Idaho Press-Tribune, http://www.idahopress.com